Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has criticised the flagbearer of the party, John Mahama, for his recent nostalgic visit to his old room at the University of Ghana’s Commonwealth Hall, which created a wave of excitement among the students.
Accompanied by John Dumelo, the NDC Parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the 2024 elections, and other party executives, Mahama’s visit was part of a working tour of the constituency.
Revisiting Room A32, where he once resided as an undergraduate history student, Mahama’s return to Vandal City—the nickname for Commonwealth Hall—was met with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Reacting to this, Mr Anyidoho who has for sometime mounted scathing critiques against the NDC alleged that Mr Mahama is imitating the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) despite reportedly condemning his engagement with students in schools.
“Did JM not insult Bawumia – calling him a “concert man” for visiting schools & interacting with students? what is JM doing singing/dancing with students? He is back from Russia with no ideas – no option but to copy Bawumia. Bawumia has become the pace setter,” he wrote in a post on X.
It must be clarified that in a statement, the NDC Walewale Constituency Communications Officer, Mashood Issifu Mahama, accused the NPP of coercing headteachers to line up the students on the streets of Walewale to welcome its flagbearer.
“It is deeply concerning that headteachers are coerced into diverting students from their classrooms to serve as cheerleaders for political campaigns. Parents entrust their children to schools with the expectation that they will receive quality education, not be used as political pawns,” he said.
There are no reports that corroborate Mr Anyidoho’s claim that Mr Mahama condemned the Vice President for engaging students.
The atmosphere was charged as students chanted campaign songs in support of the former president.
Videos circulating on social media captured Mahama’s joy as he engaged with the students, joining them in a lively ‘jama’ session, showcasing a strong connection with his alma mater.